Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/57

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Heart, Lungs, and Arms
29

the result that the heart is soon in normal condition. Even then, for a few minutes more the student continues in that position. When he has advanced farther in his course he has learned not to overtax the heart. Eventually he strengthens the heart to such a degree that there are few kinds of physical tasks that can trouble his heart in the least.

One of the first exercises to be taken up is one that should be practised daily as long as the study of jiu-jitsu is continued. This task is known among the Japanese as "The Struggle." The two opponents stand face to face, stretch out their arms laterally and clasp hands with palm to palm and fingers interlaced. Each falls forward, placing his chest against his antagonist's, feet as far back as possible, so that the body is in a slanting position, and at the same time with the feet spread as far apart as possible. In this attitude the opponents begin to struggle, each striving as hard as he can to press his chest so forcefully against the other's as to drive him back. Victory belongs to the man who can gradually force his adversary from the middle of the room to the wall. Out